THE JAGUAR PROJECT was created by Simon Macara and Elsa Poulsen. Our commitment to restoring the integrity of Costa Rica's most important biological corridors stems from our deep love of nature and profound respect for these magnificent animals.
SIMON MACARA has been working in feline conservation in Costa Rica for the past 20 years. He spent the first three years working at PROFELIS feline rescue centre near Paquera. When that centre closed he was asked to join the team at LAS PUMAS Rescue Center in Canas, where he has been a volunteer for more than 15 years. He is a specialist in environmental enrichment, and has worked with countless captive felines at zoos and rescue centres in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname and Guyana. He worked for 2 years as the Chief Conservation Officer for the environmental group Grow Jungles. His wide knowledge and experience of felines and their habitat make him uniquely well-equipped to lead The Jaguar Project.
ELSA POULSEN lives in Sausalito, California, and was a founder member of The Jaguar Project. Her background in international conservation philanthropy, eco-retreat development, and community micro-lending projects have given her a foundation for high-level project management and a visionary approach to creating sustainable conservation strategies. Elsa's experience includes assisting landmark wildlife conservation projects in Northern California, high-end eco-retreat development, and international PR for a California-based alternative energy technology company. She now works on several other projects, but remains an advisor and founding member of The Jaguar Project.